Is a Bachelors in Kinesiology/Exercise Science worth it??

[CindyVanessa]

I'm about to sign up for new classes this semester and I'm in a rut trying to decide whether to enroll for the courses at my community college or if I should opt for getting my certification through NASM. I've done plenty of research and most sources are leading me to believe that the education you get for a Bachelor's in Kinesiology through school, isn't worth the money. I know I already have the passion and fitness level to succeed in this business, however, I'm considering doing both?

Are there any personal trainers out there that went through this when they first started? What do you suggest?

[JohnButz]

I'm about to sign up for new classes this semester and I'm in a rut trying to decide whether to enroll for the courses at my community college or if I should opt for getting my certification through NASM. I've done plenty of research and most sources are leading me to believe that the education you get for a Bachelor's in Kinesiology through school, isn't worth the money. I know I already have the passion and fitness level to succeed in this business, however, I'm considering doing both?

Are there any personal trainers out there that went through this when they first started? What do you suggest?

Hey Cindy! I am not a personal trainer---maybe someday, but I think having the education (Bachelor's) is great and looks good on a resume. If it is feasible, I would say do both. Good Luck!

[volitionfitness]

my diploma looks nice on the wall... and thats about it

lucky enough to have had good financial aid through the long ass time it took me to get it, otherwise no it wasnt worth it. people dont care about certifications or diplomas, they want results and if you know how to get them you're in business. i only ever had one person ask me outright what education i had, and it was because he was a chiro and was interested in the field

it does make me feel secure though in some way, good sense of accomplishment

[VitaminJT]

I also have a Diploma and think it makes you much more respected than just having a normal personal trainer qualification. Having a better education is going to allow you to converse better with other health professionals like physio's and doctors so they have more trust in you, which creates a higher chance of them referring people to you.

[Kmullins05]

I'm about to sign up for new classes this semester and I'm in a rut trying to decide whether to enroll for the courses at my community college or if I should opt for getting my certification through NASM. I've done plenty of research and most sources are leading me to believe that the education you get for a Bachelor's in Kinesiology through school, isn't worth the money. I know I already have the passion and fitness level to succeed in this business, however, I'm considering doing both?

Are there any personal trainers out there that went through this when they first started? What do you suggest?

Cindy,

I'm so glad you are considering higher education on the matter. As a person who possesses a B.S. in Kinesiology from a well respected university I am all for pursuing the higher education.

If you are looking for a career in fitness that gives you greater access to jobs and opportunities that are beyond your local gym and facility, then there is absolutely no doubt that you should obtain your B.S. while you are still young. Beyond the boost to your resume; the degree is an outstanding education that separates the elements of human physiology into parts and allows for you to perfect your knowledge of the body and it's capabilities over the course of years instead of months. Classes such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, anatomy, conditioning and performance enhancement, athletic psychology, and many others make you a more intelligent and capable trainer.

Furthermore, the all around education allows for you to be more eloquent with your presentations, giving you an edge when you speak to people. If you sound good, look good, and work good you'll always have a job in fitness. The public speaking and english classes in college will help you develop your oral and writing skills so that you can excel in sales. Throw in a few business classes and you have the makings of a great career.

Certifications are obviously important and are the way we get into the industry...regardless whether its NASM, ISSA, or w/e you wish. However, if you are looking to reach the highest points of this profession. You should definitely get a degree

[CindyVanessa]

Thank you so much for everyone's reply, I appreciate it greatly! After thinking about it some more, I think I really do want to stick to my plan and go through with completing my degree. I know that spreading the knowledge for health and fitness is truly a passion of mine so getting the best education out there will ensure that I can provide everyone with only the best training and information.

[JoeCannonMSCSCS]

Cindy, my journey was a little different in that I first got a degree in chemistry and biology before going on to grad school. That said think about if you would want to have college degree under your belt or have the cert. There is nothing wrong with taking the most important classes and the NASM cert. You would still have the college knowledge but you would not have the degree. So think about how important it is for you to have the degree. if you think its important than I say go for it! If not, then I suggest you take the following classes:
biology
nutrition
marketing
public speaking (trust me)
website creation (trust me)
muscle phys
cardiovascular phys
chemistry for non majors (if its offered)
marketing

Also think about the groups of people you want to work with as a personal trainer and take any classes you think might help you help those people best.
I hope some of this helps Cindy and that you had a great holiday!
Joe

[dmcobern]

I guess it depends on what area of fitness you really want to get into.

If your happy with just working in gyms and stuff like that its prob not worth it.
But if you want to expand your career to higher levels, elite sporting clubs ect.. then it may be worth it.
Most trainers to reach the top have done more than the basics.

[csutbut]

Love the responses on this thread- what about other sport related degrees like Sports Marketing and Management? Are those well respected or solid degrees to help for creating a fitness business in one's future? thanks!

[JoeCannonMSCSCS]

sports marketing is good but most colleges may not offer it. basically any marketing class should cover the basics that can be used for sports marketing. Sports management might be good but unless you are going to run a gym I dont know if its needed. I could be wrong on this.

Joe

[RocketPRopelled]

My opinion is no. Why pay 50k for another tier in pt salty equivalent to maybe 5 bucks on the hour? Buy another pt program for 500 and get it back in a month or two vs till you get to management level..

[james258]

Cindy, my journey was a little different in that I first got a degree in chemistry and biology before going on to grad school. That said think about if you would want to have college degree under your belt or have the cert. There is nothing wrong with taking the most important classes and the NASM cert. You would still have the college knowledge but you would not have the degree. So think about how important it is for you to have the degree. if you think its important than I say go for it! If not, then I suggest you take the following classes:
biology
nutrition
marketing
public speaking (trust me)
website creation (trust me)
muscle phys
cardiovascular phys
chemistry for non majors (if its offered)
marketing

Also think about the groups of people you want to work with as a personal trainer and take any classes you think might help you help those people best.
I hope some of this helps Cindy and that you had a great holiday!
Joe

The thing is you can't just jump into those classes without pre-requisites. By the time you get to them you might as well finish off the degree bc they are usually upper level courses.

[backhandz]

I'm about to sign up for new classes this semester and I'm in a rut trying to decide whether to enroll for the courses at my community college or if I should opt for getting my certification through NASM. I've done plenty of research and most sources are leading me to believe that the education you get for a Bachelor's in Kinesiology through school, isn't worth the money. I know I already have the passion and fitness level to succeed in this business, however, I'm considering doing both?

Are there any personal trainers out there that went through this when they first started? What do you suggest?

Hey Cindy I had received a bachelors' in exercise science emphasis on strength and conditioning/personal training and yes I would have to say it is worth it, especially with developing relationships with clients...You can basically get certified as a personal trainer in a week but having a degree shows that you have taken the time to learn something that is important to you and it is conveyed to your clients...Having a degree also gives you a more in depth learning experience about the body overall, nutrition, and the physiological aspect of fitness. It also had a huge part in me getting a job right away at a gym because more people have certifications then a more specific degree..but if you are trying to make money right away just getting a cert is probably best. I guess it just depends on the individual.

[CindyVanessa]

Hey Cindy I had received a bachelors' in exercise science emphasis on strength and conditioning/personal training and yes I would have to say it is worth it, especially with developing relationships with clients...You can basically get certified as a personal trainer in a week but having a degree shows that you have taken the time to learn something that is important to you and it is conveyed to your clients...Having a degree also gives you a more in depth learning experience about the body overall, nutrition, and the physiological aspect of fitness. It also had a huge part in me getting a job right away at a gym because more people have certifications then a more specific degree..but if you are trying to make money right away just getting a cert is probably best. I guess it just depends on the individual.

Thank you so much for your reply! You went the same route that I want to take and honestly, it truly does sound like it is worth it. I know plenty of people that have gotten certified, yet they hardly know was much as they should or worse, they don't look as though they put any work into the gym themselves. These are the kind of trainers that are simply counting reps and failing to correct improper form from their clients. I want to attain as much knowledge possible and if that means going to school even longer, so be it! I know that I want so much more out of this than to be a personal trainer at a gym. I want my career to turn into something meaningful and I want to change so many peoples lives. It certainly isn't about making money right away, I already have a few clients I train. Which is very motivating! Being a part of someone bettering themselves for the best is what I live for. I'm going to continue the degree and on the side, continue to train my few clients and get my certification in the meantime as well.

[backhandz]

Thank you so much for your reply! You went the same route that I want to take and honestly, it truly does sound like it is worth it. I know plenty of people that have gotten certified, yet they hardly know was much as they should or worse, they don't look as though they put any work into the gym themselves. These are the kind of trainers that are simply counting reps and failing to correct improper form from their clients. I want to attain as much knowledge possible and if that means going to school even longer, so be it! I know that I want so much more out of this than to be a personal trainer at a gym. I want my career to turn into something meaningful and I want to change so many peoples lives. It certainly isn't about making money right away, I already have a few clients I train. Which is very motivating! Being a part of someone bettering themselves for the best is what I live for. I'm going to continue the degree and on the side, continue to train my few clients and get my certification in the meantime as well.

Good Choice!

[TAK000]

i went into respiratory therapy and will take a few classes in exercise science, prescription, metabolism.

it all is falling in very well but i will be able to work in a hospital, cardiorespiratory rehab, or personal training

[KyleAaron]

If it's purely for higher income-earning potential it's not worth it.* The time and money you spend getting it could be spent on your career in other ways, and would pay off more quickly and with a better rate of return. There are many many ways you could spend 4 years and $40-100,000 to help your career.

If it's for your own education, your own knowledge, it's very very much worth it. I'm a big believer in the value of education for its own sake.

As always, depends on your values.

---
* Full disclosure: I don't have a BExSci or anything like that, but several of my colleagues do. At one gym there were two, one earned less than me, one earned more, their earning differences were mostly due to their confidence and ambition, the trainer out on the gym floor talking to people got clients, the one standing around waiting for people to ask them questions didn't get as many clients.

[backhandz]

If it's purely for higher income-earning potential it's not worth it.* The time and money you spend getting it could be spent on your career in other ways, and would pay off more quickly and with a better rate of return. There are many many ways you could spend 4 years and $40-100,000 to help your career.

If it's for your own education, your own knowledge, it's very very much worth it. I'm a big believer in the value of education for its own sake.

As always, depends on your values.

---
* Full disclosure: I don't have a BExSci or anything like that, but several of my colleagues do. At one gym there were two, one earned less than me, one earned more, their earning differences were mostly due to their confidence and ambition, the trainer out on the gym floor talking to people got clients, the one standing around waiting for people to ask them questions didn't get as many clients.

The value of education to me is enjoying what I do and doing it well...just me. I have always wanted to help people with fitness goals and health thats why I chose an exercise science degree. Money is always good though, if I can live comfy and enjoy what I'm doing I'm happy. Like anything in life, if you don't take initiative and just kick back your not going to be as successful.

[KyleAaron]

You can do what you do well without a university education, and do it badly with one. An education is to university what strength is to a gym: you can get it without one. People get educated without universities, just as people get strong without gyms. The uni just formalises it and makes it simpler.

[backhandz]

You can do what you do well without a university education, and do it badly with one. An education is to university what strength is to a gym: you can get it without one. People get educated without universities, just as people get strong without gyms. The uni just formalises it and makes it simpler.

Yes sir! Just simply saying that if this girl had an interest in getting an exercise degree she should do it, both for herself as well as the formalities. Love the quote "Elite coaching is about getting the last 5% out of a persons' performance, personal training is about getting the first 50%." Awesome!